Miranda Lambert continues winning streak at casino show

UNCASVILLE _ When Miranda Lambert last came through town (a headlining turn on the Big E stage last October) she was a literal and figurative nominee, not only for a few CMA awards (nine nominations in all) but also for the figurative title of “Next Big Thing” in the country music genre.

This time through, Wednesday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Lambert arrived with the trophies and titles in tow as the reigning “Female Vocalist of the Year” and the owner of one of the biggest albums in country music today, “Revolution.”
These are heady times indeed for Lambert and her clan. Her husband Blake Shelton is starring in the critically acclaimed performance / reality show “The Voice” and both have current country radio hits.
When the lights went down it was country rebel Steve Earle's version of "Revolution" playing on the house PA. When the lights came up Lambert laid into her hit "Only Prettier."

Lambert remembered her last go round at Mohegan, as an opener for Kenny Chesney, and seemed amused that she virtually sold out the arena as the headliner. As an ode to her own small town roots she sang "Famous in a Small Town" and closed it out with a verse from Hal Ketchum's "Small Town Saturday Night."

She also announced the show was only her fourth since officially becoming Mrs. Shelton.

"Sorry boys you're too late," she sassed, before introducing a song she wrote with her husband called "Love Song."

It was when Lambert brought out her side project, the female trio dubbed Pistol Annies that she truly brought the house down. Alongside singers Ashley Monrose and Angeleena Presley, Lambert kicked out "Hell on Heels" and a cover of the Ray Charles hit "Hit the Road Jack."

She showed up sans Pistol Annies for her chart topping "Heart Like Mine" followed by a blistering rendition of Rick Derringer's "Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo."

Lambert wrapped up the set balancing ballads like "The House That Built Me" with rockers like the vengeful "Gunpowder and Lead." She encored acoustically, channeling Pasty Cline on "Crazy" and brought out her Pistol Annies pals along with openers Justin Moore and Josh Kelly to romp through a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travelin’ Band.”

Josh Kelly, who was along for the ride when Lambert played the Big E last fall, offered a quick but impactful 30 minute set highlighted by his hit "Georgia Clay" and a fun romp through Cee Lo's "Forget You."

Justin Moore was more traditional, if not cliché, country complete with boots, belt buckle, big hat and songs about God, country, and cowboys. He scored big with the ballad "Outlaws Like Me" the title track to his new album due out next week, and the hit "Small Town USA."